Olympus E-PL1s vs. Panasonic LX100 II: An Expert Comparison for Photographers at Every Level

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming with so many options, but narrowing it down based on your photography style and workflow makes the process smoother. Today we compare two distinct cameras: the Olympus PEN E-PL1s, a pioneer in entry-level mirrorless systems from 2010, and the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II, a versatile large sensor compact released in 2018. Both share the Micro Four Thirds sensor size but come from very different design philosophies and eras.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing experience with thousands of cameras, we'll explore how these two models stack up technically and practically - from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics, durability, and real-world use. Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a pro seeking a dependable second body, this comparison will help you understand which system fits your needs and creative ambitions.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics That Shape Your Shooting Experience

How a camera feels in your hands affects not only enjoyment but also usability in the field. The E-PL1s, with its rangefinder-style mirrorless design, and the LX100 II, a large sensor compact, offer very different shooting ergonomics.

Olympus E-PL1s: Its compact, lightweight frame is ideal for casual shooters stepping up from point-and-shoot cameras. The controls feel minimalistic, catering more to enthusiasts who want automatic modes with some manual overrides. Lack of a built-in viewfinder means you rely on the LCD, which is modest in size and resolution by today's standards.

Panasonic LX100 II: This camera is chunkier and heavier, reflecting the robust metal build and larger sensor unit. It features an impressively sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.7x magnification, an advantage for bright conditions and steady composition. The LX100 II's control layout offers dedicated aperture rings and exposure dials, appealing to photographers who value tactile feedback and quick adjustments.

The top view of the LX100 II reveals a more professional-style control scheme, including a shutter speed dial and exposure compensation, which the Olympus lacks. This control richness supports faster decision-making in dynamic shooting situations - a strong point for advanced users.

Our Takeaway: If you prefer a straightforward, lightweight system and occasional manual control, the Olympus E-PL1s satisfies those criteria. But for photographers ready to command their exposure settings swiftly and with confidence, the Panasonic LX100 II offers a more ergonomic and intuitive interface.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technologies that Define the Shot

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds sensor size - a 17.3 x 13 mm area - but differ significantly in resolution, processor generation, and associated image quality.

Technical Analysis:

• Resolution and Detail: The LX100 II edges out with 17 MP, capturing higher resolution images that reveal finer details - excellent for cropping or large prints. The E-PL1s's 12 MP sensor, while modest by today's standards, still performs adequately for web use and moderate-size prints.

• ISO and Low-Light: The LX100 II supports a much wider native ISO range (200 to 25600) compared to the E-PL1s (100 to 6400), thanks to improvements in sensor sensitivity and noise reduction. This wider range makes the LX100 II more suited for dim conditions such as night scenes or indoor events without a flash.

• Dynamic Range: Although exact DxO Mark data are unavailable for these models, newer sensor technology and the Venus Engine help the LX100 II outshine the E-PL1s in terms of dynamic range, preserving detail in shadows and highlights more effectively - crucial for landscape photography.

• Color Rendition: Both cameras come with an anti-aliasing filter, slightly softening the default sharpness but reducing moiré artifacts. The Venus Engine in the LX100 II offers more advanced color processing, enhancing skin tones and natural hues more vibrantly.

Practical Implication:

If your priority is detailed landscape work or low-light shooting, the LX100 II’s sensor and processing power will serve better. For blog-level content, casual portraits, and street photography, the E-PL1s remains a viable choice, especially given its lower cost.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy When It Counts

Accurate and responsive autofocus systems are essential, particularly for wildlife, sports, and candid photography.

The LX100 II’s 49 autofocus points provide better framing flexibility and tracking accuracy than the E-PL1s’s 11 points. Both cameras lack phase-detection autofocus, so while their AF is best in well-lit scenes, they will struggle in low light or with fast-moving subjects.

Touchscreen autofocus on the LX100 II adds convenience for selecting focus points quickly - missing from the Olympus.

Real-World Use: In controlled environments like portrait studios or landscapes, both cameras perform acceptably. However, for wildlife or sports, the LX100 II handles subject tracking and continuous AF modes more fluidly, thanks to more focus points and a faster processor.

Display and Viewfinder: Finding Your Visual Anchor

Composing and reviewing images benefit greatly from high-quality displays and viewfinders.

The LX100 II’s crisp 3-inch touchscreen and bright, detailed EVF offer a superior experience for composition and reviewing shots, especially under bright sunlight. The E-PL1s’s screen feels cramped and less sharp, which may hinder precise framing or checking image details.

Tip: The addition of touchscreen AF on the Panasonic further speeds up workflow for macro or street photographers who want rapid focal adjustments.

Lens Options and Compatibility: Crafting Your Artistic Vision

Your choice of camera often dictates your lens possibilities.

• Olympus E-PL1s features the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with over 100 native lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics. This offers tremendous creative freedom across styles and budgets.

• Panasonic LX100 II includes a fixed 24-75mm equivalent zoom lens with fast aperture (f/1.7-2.8). While it lacks interchangeable lenses, this versatile lens covers wide-angle to short telephoto focal lengths useful for travel, portraits, and street.

Considerations:

• If you want an expandable system to match your evolving photography style, the E-PL1s’s MFT mount is crucial.

• If size, simplicity, and ready-to-shoot convenience are paramount, the LX100 II’s integrated zoom lens impresses with quality optics and a bright aperture without changing lenses.

Burst Shooting and Video: Capturing Movement and Motion

The LX100 II clearly dominates video capabilities with 4K UHD recording and 4K Photo mode, used to capture a burst of frames at 30 fps and extract the perfect moment. Its optical image stabilization substantially enhances handheld video quality. Meanwhile, the E-PL1s offers basic 720p video recording limited by its older processor and codec.

Burst mode on the LX100 II offers 11 fps - excellent for action and wildlife photography - while the E-PL1s’s modest 3 fps restricts you to slower subjects.

Advice: For content creators including vloggers or event shooters wanting flexible video options, LX100 II is the better choice.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Will It Brave the Elements?

Neither camera offers dedicated environmental sealing or rugged protection features.

• E-PL1s uses mostly polycarbonate with some metal, resulting in a lightweight but somewhat fragile feel. It is vulnerable to dust and moisture.

• LX100 II’s magnesium alloy body provides sturdier construction, enhancing durability during travel and outdoor use, though it is also not weather-sealed.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in challenging conditions, consider investing in protective gear regardless of model.

Battery Life and Storage: Reliability During Long Shoots

Battery life on both cameras suffices for casual shooting days but falls short for intense professional assignments without spare batteries. The LX100 II supports newer SDXC cards, beneficial for handling large 4K video files.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Sharing Your Vision Quickly

• Olympus E-PL1s: No built-in wireless or Bluetooth - means offloading files requires cable connection.

• Panasonic LX100 II: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a big leap forward for today’s connected travelers and social media creators.

If wireless integration matters for your workflow, Panasonic LX100 II makes file sharing and remote operation easier.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let's evaluate their suitability across diverse photography types using data-backed performance analysis.

Sample Images: Seeing the Differences in Real Life

Side-by-side sample photos highlight differences in resolution, color rendition, and dynamic range.

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

The Panasonic LX100 II images reveal richer detail, better low-light color retention, and noticeably crisper edges. The Olympus E-PL1s photos show softer gradation, atmospheric tones, and an approachable character, especially flattering for portraits and casual snapshots.

Performance Summary and Ratings

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus E-PL1s if you:

• Are budget-conscious and want a solid entry-level mirrorless system
• Plan to explore interchangeable lenses and expand your creative toolkit gradually
• Prioritize lightweight equipment for casual shooting and street photography
• Want simple controls without overwhelming complexity
• Value a camera with in-body image stabilization to reduce blur

Choose the Panasonic LX100 II if you:

• Desire a compact yet powerful all-in-one camera with excellent image quality
• Shoot frequently in varied lighting conditions including low light and indoors
• Need advanced manual controls, fast autofocus, and impressive burst rates
• Create high-quality video content including 4K UHD
• Appreciate built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for fast sharing and remote shooting

Final Thoughts: Bridging Eras, Technologies, and Ambitions

The Olympus E-PL1s represents an important stepping stone in mirrorless camera evolution - offering accessibility and fundamental photographic tools designed for those beginning their creative journey or anyone favoring simplicity. The Panasonic LX100 II, in contrast, embodies a mature, refined compact powerhouse with modern features that cater to demanding enthusiasts and professionals needing a versatile, high-quality travel and everyday camera.

We encourage you to consider your shooting style and priorities carefully. For expansive creative growth and interchangeable lenses, the E-PL1s makes a capable, affordable start. For immediate, reliable image quality, video and connectivity with minimal fuss, the LX100 II is hard to beat.

Explore both cameras firsthand if you can - handling their distinct feels and interfaces often reveals the best fit more than specs alone. Pair your choice with reliable lenses, accessories, and practice shooting in diverse conditions to unlock your true photographic potential.

Happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper into these cameras, check out detailed user reviews, sample galleries, and hands-on tutorials to get started confidently with your next camera.